Chapter 1

1

Caleb and I grew up together. We were the couple everyone expected to last forever. But on the day of our engagement party, he left me standing there in front of everyone. He chose my so-called best friend over me.

While the guests looked at me with pity, I didn't cry. Instead, I picked up the microphone and walked onto the stage. I kept my head high and my voice steady.

"Thank you all for coming. Today isn't actually an engagement party. It is a celebration for my new house. Please, enjoy the food and drinks."

Much later, Caleb tried to crawl back. He wanted to throw me the most lavish engagement ceremony the city had ever seen. He begged for a second chance.

I didn't even look at him. I simply tucked my arm into my husband's and smiled.

"There is no need for an engagement party, Caleb. But you are more than welcome to attend our wedding."

……

"Jade, I am so sorry. Something happened to Skylar. I have to go see her."

The dressing room door swung open suddenly. I was in the middle of adjusting my gown when I looked up. My heart skipped a beat, but not in a good way.

Caleb had already stripped off his tuxedo. He was back in his casual clothes, looking frantic. He didn't even look me in the eye as he apologized.

"Caleb, do you even realize what today is?"

Today was our engagement party. It was also the fifth anniversary of the day we started dating. We were supposed to be celebrating our future.

All our relatives and friends were waiting outside for our grand entrance. And now, he was telling me he had to run to Skylar Young?

It felt like a bad joke.

Caleb was visibly shaking with anxiety for Skylar. When it came to our engagement, however, he couldn't have cared less. "It's just an engagement, Jade. It's not like it's the actual wedding."

He brushed past me, heading for the door. "We can always reschedule. I will explain everything to the family later."

I stepped in front of him, blocking his path. I looked him dead in the eye, searching for a trace of the man I loved. "Are you really going to ditch your own engagement for her? Skylar is fine, Caleb. She is always fine when we have big plans."

Caleb lost his temper. His face contorted with anger as he shouted at me. "Jade Shaw, how can you be so heartless? She is your best friend. Is a party really more important than her life?"

I listened to his accusations and felt a cold laugh bubble up in my chest. It was always like this.

Skylar had tried to ruin my moments dozens of times before. And every single time, Caleb chose her. He saw her as the victim and me as the villain.

No matter what she did to me, I was expected to take it. If I stood up for myself, I was being jealous or cruel. Our years of history meant nothing compared to her tears.

I took a step to the side, clearing his way to the door. I didn't say another word.

Caleb slammed the door behind him without looking back. I felt the strength drain from my legs. I leaned against the cold wall, staring blankly at the floor.

A soft knock came from the door. It was the host I had hired for the event. "Miss Shaw? It's almost time. Should we start the ceremony?"

His voice snapped me out of my trance. I took a few deep breaths and opened the door.

"The engagement is off," I told him. "But we aren't sending people home yet. Let's change the plan."

I had chosen this host myself. Caleb hadn't liked him because he was young and handsome. He thought the man would steal his spotlight.

But I liked his professionalism and quick thinking. Now, I knew I had made the right choice. He didn't ask questions; he just thought for a moment and came up with a new script.